Hayley Matthews blitz blows Ireland away in tri-series opener

In the first match of the T20 Tri-series in Dublin, which also featured Pakistan, the West Indies defeated Ireland by eight wickets. With skipper Hayley Matthews scoring an unbeaten 82 off just 44 balls, the West Indies chased the total down in just 11.3 overs after restricting the hosts to just 103. The West Indies struck early after choosing to bowl first, putting Ireland in trouble at 23/3 in the Powerplay. Both openers were bowled out by Zaida James in consecutive overs, and Rebecca Stokell was bowled out by Jahzara Claxton. Leah Paul and captain Orla Prendergast shared a 44-run stand for the fourth wicket, indicating that the team needed to be rebuilt. However, Ireland's innings unraveled once they were separated when Matthews dismissed Prendergast in the 12th over. There were no further partnerships of note as Ireland went from 73/4 to 103 all out by the 17th over. As many as nine bowlers were used by the West Indies, but Qiana Joseph stood out with 3/8 in two overs. By throwing out Deandra Dottin and Joseph during the Powerplay, Ava Canning kept Ireland in the game. Matthews, however, was in charge of the rest of the chase. Striking boundaries at will, she reached her fifty off just 33 balls and just continued the assault. She shared a 69-run stand with Stefanie Taylor, who played a supporting role with 10. West Indies will take on Pakistan next, at the same venue, in less than 24 hours.